Dr. Michael F. Rice Michigan superintendent of public instruction | Michigan Department of Education
Nearly 75% of Michigan students who received special education services and had an individualized education program (IEP) were engaged in higher education, competitive employment, or postsecondary training last year. This figure was shared with the State Board of Education during a presentation, highlighting that 74.8% of these students met one of the post-high school goals within a year, just shy of the state's target of 75.2%.
Officials from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Project SEARCH provided insights into transitional services aiding students' shift from high school to adulthood. Dr. Michele Harmala emphasized the importance of collaboration between schools and community agencies in effective transition planning, which aims to prepare students for independence and self-support.
Transition services align with Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan's Goals 4, 5, and 6, which focus on expanding learning opportunities, increasing graduation rates, and boosting adults with post-secondary credentials. Colton Robinson, a student at Van Buren Tech center, discussed how these services assist him academically and in his transition to adulthood.
The state reported a compliance rate of 92.4% for IEPs containing necessary components for transition planning during the 2023-24 school year. The MDE Office of Special Education is striving for full compliance by encouraging earlier transition processes and using personal curricula.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs are another avenue supporting students’ transitions from school to careers. According to Ms. Celena Mills, CTE director for MDE, participation among students with IEPs increased by 4% over three years to 11,613 participants in the recent school year.
Ms. Sarah Winslow described Project SEARCH as a program that equips interns with marketable skills through real-world job experiences. About 130 students participate annually in this program; during the previous school year, it achieved an employment rate of 88% among its graduates.
Alerts Sign-up